UK’s Proposed Repeal of the Climate Change Act: A Step Back for Climate Leadership

Emme Huang
Oct 7
3 min read

In October 2025, UK Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch announced a proposal to repeal the Climate Change Act of 2008, a landmark law that has shaped Britain’s climate policy for nearly two decades. The announcement sparked widespread concern from scientists, environmentalists, business leaders, and political figures, who warn that dismantling the Act could undermine the UK’s progress toward net-zero emissions and weaken its reputation as a global climate leader.

What Is the Climate Change Act?

The Climate Change Act was the first legally binding national commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It initially set a target to cut emissions by 80% by 2050 compared to 1990 levels and was strengthened in 2019 to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

Key elements of the Act include:

Carbon Budgets: Legally binding limits on total greenhouse gas emissions over five-year periods.
Independent Oversight: The creation of the Climate Change Committee (CCC) to advise the government on targets and monitor progress.
Long-term Planning: Encouraging governments, industries, and communities to transition toward clean energy in a predictable and accountable way.

Repealing this Act would dismantle the legal framework that has guided the UK’s climate action for nearly 20 years.

Potential Impacts of Repeal

If the Climate Change Act is repealed, the UK could face several major consequences:

Loss of Accountability: Carbon budgets would no longer be legally binding, and the independent oversight of the CCC would be eliminated.
Weakened Climate Targets: Without legal obligations, the UK could struggle to maintain progress toward net-zero emissions.
Economic Risks: Clean energy investments rely on regulatory certainty. Repealing the Act could slow the growth of the green economy and reduce innovation in renewable energy technologies.
Global Reputation: The UK has positioned itself as a leader on climate policy. Repeal could undermine credibility, particularly ahead of international events like COP30.

Badenoch argues that repealing the Act allows for greater flexibility in energy policy and economic planning. Critics counter that short-term gains risk long-term damage to the environment, public health, and the economy.

Public and Political Response

The proposal has sparked criticism across multiple sectors:

Scientists: Warn that dismantling legal climate obligations will worsen greenhouse gas emissions and hinder the UK’s ability to adapt to climate impacts.
Business Leaders: Emphasize that consistent climate policy is essential for investment and innovation in clean energy technologies.
Political Figures: Former Prime Minister Theresa May described the proposal as a “catastrophic mistake,” highlighting the potential political and environmental backlash.

Environmental organizations are mobilizing to raise awareness and advocate for the retention of legally binding climate targets, emphasizing the importance of public pressure and engagement in shaping policy outcomes.

Why This Matters

Climate change is already affecting communities worldwide, from extreme weather events to food insecurity and economic disruption. Policies like the Climate Change Act provide a framework for reducing emissions, protecting the environment, and safeguarding the economy. Weakening or repealing these laws risks undoing years of progress and increasing vulnerability to climate-related crises.

By staying informed and advocating for strong climate legislation, citizens can help ensure governments remain accountable for protecting both the planet and future generations.

Take Action

Learn More: Understand the Climate Change Act and the implications of repeal.
Engage Politically: Contact MPs, sign petitions, and support campaigns advocating for strong climate policy.
Share the Message: Educate others about why maintaining legally binding climate targets is crucial.

The future of the UK’s climate leadership—and the health of our planet—depends on awareness, advocacy, and action today.